Department of Neighborhoods

DON District Meetings

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) provides a direct link between the City of Detroit and block clubs, community groups, business owners, faith and school leaders, and everyday residents. The 14-member team includes a district manager and deputy district manager in each City Council district. Their top responsibility is fighting blight and rebuilding and strengthening the fabric of the neighborhoods. The managers directly engage thousands of residents and volunteers in both major initiatives like Motor City Makeover, Halloween in the D and tax foreclosure prevention and smaller efforts, such as vacant lot clean-ups and house board-ups. However their work goes far beyond that. District managers help residents form block clubs and community associations; drive community engagement on neighborhood planning projects and other initiatives; resolve citizens' complaints; and educate residents on a broad range of City programs and policies.

Each City Council district also has a business liaison focused on helping neighborhood businesses grow and succeed. The business liaison helps businesses navigate City processes; connect to resources to promote growth; and improve the business environment in neighborhoods.

For more information, go to http://www.degc.org/district-business-liaisons/ .

If you are interested in starting a block club, check out our getting started page.

Neighborhood Solar Partners

The City of Detroit is seeking block clubs and community groups to host solar fields to power City buildings. If your community is near large parcels of vacant land, and you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please fill out the Community Interest Form. 

The Department of Neighborhoods will review your submission and schedule a follow-up meeting. If the proposed area is found suitable, your community will be paired with mentors to assist with completing a full application. 

One of the top complaints of Detroit residents is illegal dumping on vacant land.  The plan announced by the Mayor aims to fight the blight and illegal dumping, curb climate change by creating clean, renewable energy to power municipal buildings, and provide benefits to households in the neighborhoods who choose to bring in solar.